Colts owner Jim Irsay was rebuffed in his pursuit of hiring Jon Gruden as head coach of the team, but is still trying to convince Peyton Manning to rejoin the organization as head of football operations, according to multiple reports.

But Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Saturday Irsay "is trying to lure Peyton Manning back to Indianapolis, has had talks with him about becoming their head of football operations, like a John Elway role (with the Broncos. Irsay) tried to put Peyton Manning together with Jon Gruden, (but) it doesn’t look like Jon Gruden is going to take that job. I know the three of them have met."

ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Irsay made overtures to Gruden about becoming Colts coach, but Gruden was not interested and will remain at ESPN.

According to columnist Bob Kravitz of WTHR-NBC in Indianapolis, Irsay’s plane was in Houston last Saturday, when Gruden was calling the Raiders-Texans wild-card game, although it’s not known whether Irsay was on the plane.

Gruden denied having any discussions with Irsay about the coaching gig.

"I know nothing. I've told people I'm not coaching," Gruden said, per ESPN. "I'm a broadcaster. I'm not a coach."

Gruden declined to discuss coaching opportunities with the 49ers and Rams, according to ESPN.

Irsay has not given up on Manning, the Colts’ former star quarterback, although the reunion looks unlikely, according to both Kravitz and Glazer.

Been told by multiple sources that a Manning hire is "unlikely'' at this point. Not sure if sticking point is ownership share or timing.

Striking out on Gruden and Manning would probably mean another year of the Pagano/Grigson regime in Indianapolis, although these reports will surely create an awkward situation among Irsay and his top Colts employees.